I am proud to be modeling in this year's fundraiser in memory of two people close to my heart.
I walk in honor of my father-in-law, Mark DeLeva, who passed away peacefully in 2018 after a brave battle with leukemia. I also walk in memory of my late Aunt Jenny, who lost her battle with esophageal cancer in 2003. Aunt Jenny was the one who first inspired my love of fashion, sparking a passion that would go on to shape my entire career.
I have served as General Manager of Stuyvesant Plaza since 2022, when WS Development took majority ownership of the iconic Capital Region shopping center. In this role, I lead capital improvement projects and leasing efforts while overseeing the Plaza's operational and marketing excellence. Before Stuyvesant Plaza, I spent nearly two decades in merchandising roles for luxury fashion companies including Saks Fifth Avenue, Givenchy and Tom Ford, experience that taught me the enduring importance of brick-and-mortar retail and the customer experience.
I was inducted onto the Capital Region Chamber of Commerce board in 2023 and sat on the committee for Circle of Champs, a Capital Region YMCA program supporting families impacted by life-threatening illnesses. I've also served as an industry expert on retail and commercial real estate for panels hosted by the Albany Business Review and area chambers.
Fashion has shaped my career, but it's the people behind it, like my Aunt Jenny, and the people I've lost, like my father-in-law Mark, who shape why I'm walking this runway. Every dollar raised helps NYOH support families facing the same battles mine has faced.
Thank you for supporting my campaign and honoring their memory with me.
